The Pa-Kua Symbol, on which all of the Pa-Kua knowledge is based, combines many element of Chinese philosophy. Understanding some of these concepts helps in understanding what Pa-Kua teaches us. Following is an explanation of the Pa-Kua Symbol components

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Yin Yang

The concept of Yin Yang is one of the fundamental concepts of Chinese philosophy. It is a concept of relativity between two elements of a whole. Nothing in this concept is absolute. Not only is something Yin in comparison to something else which is Yang, but everything Yin contains a little bit of Yang and vice versa.

Nothing in our life is totally Yin nor totally Yang, and even something Yin in its majority is so only in comparison to something else that is Yang; in comparison to something else that is Yin it will be considered Yang. This concept is also very subjective. Something Yin in one persons set of values or judgment might be Yang in someone elses.

A thorough understanding of the Yin Yang concept is essential to the study of any Chinese knowledge.

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The Eight Changes

Another fundamental concepts of Chinese philosophy is the theory of the Eight Changes. The Eight Changes are the basis of the original Chinese knowledge. The I-Ching, the most ancient book of Chinese knowledge, uses this concept as a starting point in to its multiplication and formation of the 64 Hexagrams. The study of the Eight Changes gives us an understanding of events and people we encounter in our daily life. It helps us look in to our past, understand it, and therefore helps us guide ourselves into the future.

The popular saying those who forget their past are bound to repeat their mistakes in the future is a clear summary of how the knowledge of the Eight Changes helps us navigate our future. Used as a system of classification of our ever-changing surroundings, the Eight Changes clarifies our understanding of the universe and its influences on our daily lives.

HEAVEN	EARTH	THUNDER	WIND	WATER	FIRE	MOUNTAIN	LAKE
Strength, Creativity, Pure Will	Docility, Receptive, Acceptance	Movement, Initiative, Action	Penetration, Following	Danger, Change	Brightness, Inter-connection	Stillness, Grounded, Balance	Pleasure, Joy, Attraction

 

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The Trigrams

The Trigrams are a series of combinations of three lines. Some of the lines are Yin (broken) lines and Yang (solid) lines.

The above eight combinations are all of the possible combinations (in threes) of two different lines.

There are many arrangements of the Trigrams. The one featured here is one that puts emphasis on the family structure, an all important concept in Pa-Kua teachings.

The influences of the family play a major role in the shaping of an individuals behaviour. Sometimes, a study of the family illuminates many details of a persons characteristics and behavior, thus shedding lights on his future.

In the Pa-Kua School an active involvement of the whole family in the studies is strongly encouraged.

The reason three lines are used for the formation of the Trigrams, as opposed to two lines or perhaps even four, relates to another all important concept in Chinese philosophy.

This is the concept of SKY MAN EARTH.

 

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SKY - MAN - EARTH

This is another important classification method which is featured in all aspects of Chinese philosophy. Whether we are looking at distances in Pa-Kua Martial Art, considering differences in relationships, analyzing the different foods in our nutrition, or if we are studying the different energies in healing arts the concept of SKY MAN EARTH is omnipresent.

SKY is the furthest distance, it is safety, it is the energy coming from above, it is the spiritual, the abstract.
EARTH is the closest distance, it is danger, it is the energy from below, it is the material.
MAN is a combination of SKY and EARTH. It is also considered their neutralizer as well being subject to both of their influences. It is the middle ground.

Chinese philosophy believes that no relationship exists between two elements without the existence of a third element which neutralizes the two elements. The third element does not only fall under the influences of the two elements, but is also essential to the maintenance of the relationship between the two elements.

The Pa-Kua Knowledge, passed down to us along the centuries, throughout millenniums, has transcended time. The Pa-Kua Symbol has shown to be the source of numerous philosophical, humanitarian, medical and nutritional aspect of ancient Chinese knowledge. Pa-Kua has also proven to be the source of infinite wisdom. Subject such as the I-Ching, Ch'ien Chi Kua, Energy Ways, provide the Pa-Kua student with unequaled tools to deal with what surrounds him. Based on the concept of Energy, these various studies of the ancient Chinese ways cover our daily concerns, our relationships, and our health. They are centered around a non-defined monotheistic belief of the world’s existence and direct us toward the fulfillment and betterment of our essence. Be it healing ourselves as well as our family, or be it understanding the patterns of happening in the Universe, the study of Pa-Kua will help one reach a clearer understanding of himself and his surroundings.

The study of the Pa-Kua Symbol and of the knowledge that has, over time and history, derived from it, is one of incredible depth, mysticism and intellectual stimulation. It is said that    Confucius wished to have 50 years added to his life in order to continue his study the Pa-Kua symbol and the I-Ching. The family formation of the Pa-Kua symbol, arranged by Master I-Chang is   the   basis of Pa-Kua International School founded by Master R. Magliacano Giordano some 30 years ago. Historically, Pa-Kua had always been taught in a very traditional form, being passed from generation to generation within the family nucleus.

After obtaining permission from his Master, the venerable I-Chang Ming, Master Giordano formed the Pa-Kua International School, thus making this vast array of knowledge available to the public at large. Master Giordano has dedicated his life to making the Pa-Kua International School to grow, which has earned him recognition from President Bill Clinton. To date, the School counts close to ten thousand students and offers a variety of studies derived from the ancient PA-Kua Symbol. Studies include subjects such as Pa-Kua Martial arts, Chinese Yoga, Ancient Weapons, Reflexology, Ch'ien Chi Kua, and many more. The Pa-Kua International School has students in countries such Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, Israel, United States, etc.